I have faced abuse, assaults and death threats because I’m an MP. It’s making politics a no-go zone | Dawn Butler
A new report highlights the dangers experienced by those who seek to serve the public. People are being deterred and your democracy is sufferingThere is a rising tide of abuse...
By Dawn Butler · The Guardian Opinion
A new report highlights the dangers experienced by those who seek to serve the public. People are being deterred and your democracy is suffering There is a rising tide of abuse in our politics and I feel it every day. This week, the Electoral Commission warned that harassment and intimidation are changing how candidates campaign , what they feel able to do and whether they stand again. This is a threat to our democracy – and we cannot ignore it. The figures are stark. Commission research into the May 2026 local and mayoral elections in England found that 55% of candidates said harassment or intimidation was a problem, up from 47% in 2025. Women, ethnic minority candidates and those with disabilities were most likely to encounter abuse. The experience was so unpleasant that a third considered not standing again. Dawn Butler is Labour MP for Brent East Continue reading...